**Come along my joys, we’re off to the Cotswolds today working our way towards a surprise on Friday. Like me, haven’t you dreamed of inheriting a Cotswold cottage where tea and the church fete await you. I highly recommend English cozy mysteries to satisfy a village ‘fix.’ Throughout our trip please think of me as an abbreviated tour guide given our busy ‘at home’ schedules each day. (**A greeting from St. Seraphim)
Our first stop is Burford situated in north Oxfordshire, twenty miles west of Oxford. I’ve provided you a link so that you can stroll off on your own and see the sites. We’ll meet up at the local book store. Burford is a beautiful old Cotswold town that flourished as a market town between the 14th and 17th centuries. Its Anglo-Saxon name means fortified hill town with a ford. Like many towns in the Cotswolds, it was an important centre for the wool trade. Lined with dignified old houses and ancient cottages, little has changed since Tudor times. Enjoy your stroll along the high street. You will find yourself smiling and at peace with the world. If you get as far as the church, say a prayer for me.
Here is a quote from the novel, Greening of a Heart, set in a Vicarage garden in Burford.
“It took him (Henry Bernard) twenty-five minutes to drive the Woodstock road from Oxford to the village of Burford, where centuries-old buildings lined the high street running downhill to the River Windrush. A profusion of gemstone colored flowers glowed in hanging baskets and window boxes on both side of the street. Only the tourists crowding the sidewalks spoiled the quaint setting.”
For more information on the towns in the Cotswolds.
Fabulous post with lovely photos.
Imagine what fun I’m having preparing this TRIP. It’s taking far too much time for a short post, but I’m enjoying playing tour guide. See you tomorrow?
Oh how I love the Costwolds, and yes, I do dream of inheriting a little cottage there 😀
Did you ever read the Aunt Dimity series by author Atherton(?). That’s what happens. Fun to read and satisfies the yearning to be left that cottage.
Thank you for taking us with you to this charming village! I’ve never been to the Cotswolds, but it’s now on my list. Gorgeous photos!
I doubt that I will be able to return, but realize with our imaginations, some good books, the right recipe, we can go anywhere. Don’t miss the surprise on Friday. I may have an answer for you.
Beautiful! Thanks for the tour Stepheny. 🙂
I’m off to Italy next. I’ll be sure you know about it so you can join me again. In the mean time, use your imagination and let’s enjoy England together.
I loved wandering the streets of Burford with you. A sweet memory.
Remember tea in the garden at The Bay Tree Inn? You told me Bob wouldn’t let me have a conservatory when I got home.You were right! Don’t miss the surprise at the end of the week.
One of our favorite memories of our trips through GB. LOVED the Cotswolds! PIcs here are gorgeous.
“little has changed since Tudor times” – do you really mean that?